The American Diabetes Association Encourages People To Focus On Healthy Living For World Diabetes Day

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association will join the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness of diabetes on Nov. 14 - World Diabetes Day.  Nov. 14 is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.

The World Diabetes Day 2014 campaign marks the first of a three-year themed focus on healthy living and diabetes. This year's activities will specifically address the topic of healthy eating and its importance both in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and the effective management of all types of diabetes to avoid complications. All campaign activities will be informed by the slogan, "Diabetes: protect our future."

"Diabetes is a serious epidemic facing not only our nation, but the world," said Marjorie Cypress, PhD, C-ANP, CDE, President, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.  "But we can make progress in the fight to Stop Diabetes® by educating people about the vital importance healthy living plays in helping to prevent type 2 and manage all types of diabetes. We need to work together to provide people with healthy ideas they can put into action, including resources to help people make the right choice when it comes to what they eat."

Nearly 30 million Americans have diabetes and an additional 86 million have prediabetes, placing them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The latest estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas estimate there are 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide.

When it comes to healthy living, and making better food decisions, it can often be overwhelming, especially if you are living with diabetes. Here are some tips to follow to learn how to better balance meals throughout the day:

• Choose healthy fats like nuts, olive oil, peanut butter and avocado.
  
• Eliminate sugar-sweetened beverages drink water flavored with fruit and herbs, like mint.
  
• Understand carbohydrates the balance between how much insulin is in your body and the carbohydrate you eat makes a difference in your blood glucose levels.
  
• Incorporate healthy carbohydrates into your diet, instead of processed.
  
• Decrease the amount of sodium in the diet which can help lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure also means you are decreasing your risk for heart attack or stroke, both of which are common diabetes complications.

"As people try to make healthier food decisions each day, don't forget that healthy eating begins with breakfast," said Cypress. "Small steps like being aware of the fats you cook with and using oil instead of butter or lard, as well as incorporating whole grains into your breakfast, can make the meal that much healthier, and it still tastes good."

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.

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SOURCE American Diabetes Association